THE POND BY THE WOOD

I hiked to the pond early Friday morn
through rain and mist and woods forlorn,
for the winter had torn limbs here and there,
and a heaviness clung to the morning air.
 
I stood on the bank by the meadow bleak
with my head hung low, down and weak,
for what have I done to deserve great love
from such a Savior and King above?
 
Circles spun on the water’s face
when raindrops fell softly to their place,
and clouds swirled free in the pool’s dark depths
when winds encircled off Heaven’s steps.
 
Then there on the water, the sun came shining!
His words of love to me reminding;
pledging gladness through oaks as the sky turned blue
and encouraging wonder in all things new!
 
What grace shines upon the pond by the wood!
What joy restored and understood!
For I know Jesus loves me with all His heart,
and from me, it never, nor ever, will part.
 
 

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,
to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3

The Pond by the Wood 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121: 1-2

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but not am found, was blind but now I see.

John Newton penned these words in 1779 which became the lyrics of the well-known hymn Amazing Grace. He was the one to write them because he, once a miserable, foul-mouthed man, turned around and met Jesus.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2

‘Grace’ comes from the Greek word ‘charis’ which means “blessing or favor”. God’s kindness, or benevolence, to us is in His choice to bless us even though we deserve death because of our sin. How awesome when we don’t get what we deserve and we get what we don’t deserve. 

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:14

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9

Rich are those who know the grace of Jesus, the Son of God. It’s not a richness measured in dollar amounts or some other earthly currency. Rich involves being saved, healed, restored, redeemed, clear vision enabled by the Holy Spirit, belonging, identity, a promised inheritance obtained, victory, joy, everlasting life, wonders, gold, gold streets, solid pearl gates, gemstone foundations, people, really cool people, all kinds of people, Bible people, incredible angels, the Heavenly host, creatures not of this earth, space travel, possible walking on water, sailing, and the list goes on.

Though Jesus was rich, yet, for our sake, he became poor. Poor involved removing his outer cloak, putting aside His equality with God His Father, washing the disciple’s feet, humility, being betrayed, being questioned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, being mocked, ridiculed, flogged with a horrendous whip, carrying a heavy wooden cross, enduring hunger, thirst, nails hammered into both hands and feet, heat, exhaustion, loss, sorrow, lung failure, body failure, more mockery, and finally death. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Titus 2:11-12

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James 4:6

Warm weather has melted a lot of snow here in the woods at this writing. As the woods slowly wake up, we’re excited to think of approaching spring days and renewal. What a great season! But before that, the woods reveal fallen branches and debris from winter’s harshness. It’s a time to remember the road to the cross which Jesus took. When trekking to the pond, remember what Christ endured for us. Pray by the water’s edge when you get there and know the face of grace.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Romans 11:22

Because of Jesus, there is goodness.